Vitalité Health Network will be installing 300 new televisions in five of its hospitals in the weeks ahead at a cost of nearly $1.8 million.

The sites are the Georges-Dumont in Moncton, Edmundston Regional, Campbellton Regional, Chaleur Regional and Tracadie.

Patients in long-term care will be the first to have new televisions and the service will be free.

“This project is part of our vision to improve patients’ stays in our hospital facilities. The service is free, which was not the case in the past, and will be part of our core patient services. The purchase and installation of new televisions for patients by Vitalité Health Network represents an investment of $1.75 million.” said Stéphane Legacy, Senior VP of Outpatient and Professional Services.

Within the first few months of 2023, new distribution equipment will be installed in the five hospitals so that patients can receive nearly 60 high definition (HD) television channels as well as music channels.

Other channels will provide access to local radio stations and to customized content produced by the health network.

Vitalité hospitals already offer free access to wireless Internet (Wi-Fi).

Vitalité said all TV’s in its facilities had to be removed about a year ago when a supplier contract was not renewed.